International population grows to record high

Largest-ever class of international students from more than 100 countries

October 12, 2016

There are now more than 7,000 international students and family members at Northwestern.

This fall Northwestern University welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of international students: 2,100 new students from more than 100 countries around the world. The new class pushes Northwestern’s total international population to more than 7,000 students, scholars and family members.

Northwestern’s total international population has increased 200 percent over the last decade. In 2006, the University enrolled approximately 550 new international students as compared to 2,100 this year.

“After months of preparation, we’re excited to welcome our new international students to campus,” said Ravi Shankar, director of the International Office. “They’ve endured jet lag, initial culture shock and goodbyes to family and friends as they prepare for the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.”

To help prepare new international students for life at Northwestern, International Office staff members traveled this summer to India, China and South Korea, three of the most highly represented countries of this year’s class, to meet students on their home ground. In-country orientation sessions, known as NU In, highlighted American academics, culture shock and campus life.

RELATED: See photos from this year’s International Office orientation events.

The growth in international students reflects key goals of Northwestern’s strategic plan, Northwestern Will, by strengthening the campus community through diversity and expanding the University’s impact at home and abroad.

One more for Thanksgiving?

The International Office is gearing up for its eighth annual “Share Your Table for Thanksgiving” event. It has launched a survey for Evanston and Chicago residents who would like to host international students, scholars and their families for the holiday. And for the first time, local families can host international or American students. Contact Stephanie Cisneros at stephanie.cisneros@northwestern.edu in the International Office for more information.